Walter Ronald Olson

Walter Ronald “Ron” Olson, age 78

On August 28, 2022 at 4:24 a.m. Ron Olson of Wapakoneta Ohio and Naples Florida passed away peacefully surrounded by his family after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born August 18, 1944  in Akron, Ohio to parents Walter and Thelma Olson who preceded him in death. He leaves behind his wife and high school sweetheart of 56 years, Jessa Olson and  his children; Chris (Jimmy) Talowsky of Wapakoneta, Caron Olson of Lakeview, and Mark Olson of Canton, MI. Also missing him are his four grandchildren; Cooper Talowsky, Bailey Ford, Isaak Olson and Blake Olson. Ron was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Olson and stepsister Norma Jean (Dantz) Santini. Surviving are a half-brother, George Dantz, many nieces and nephews and his SOB cousins (Steeles, Olsons, Baileys).

Ron was a 1962 graduate of Manchester High School in Akron, Ohio.  He was a member of the National Guard for  6 years and attended Kent State University. Ron began his career at Ohio Bell in Akron, Ohio and worked his way up to management positions in the company as it grew and merged with AT&T and then became the Chief Financial Officer for Lucent Technologies. His final professional years were as Vice President of the BTech Systems Integrators.  Upon retirement, Ron was on the Board of Directors of Turtle Lake Golf Colony for the past 22 years in Naples Florida where he and Jessa resided during the winter months. Ron served as Board Treasurer for 8 of those years and as the President of the Board for the last 12 years.. He took great pride in making sure Turtle Lake was a fiscally sound and beautiful community.

Ron always said that life was all about luck and timing which is interesting coming from a guy who left nothing to chance, always had a plan and worked hard his whole life to provide for his family. And, being with his family was what made him the happiest. He was an avid reader, excellent fisherman, fixer of all mechanical things, a solver of all problems and could spot a golf ball anywhere on the course. His greatest joy upon retirement was watching his grandchildren compete in sports and in activities in which they were involved.

The family would like to thank Grand Lake Hospice for their care of Ron during the last stage of his illness. Per Ron’s wishes, there will be a private Celebration of Life. Donations can be made in his honor to the Auglaize Public Library 203 S. Perry St Wapakoneta, Ohio 45895 or St. Jude’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis TN 38105-1942. Most importantly, Ron would want you to spend time with your family and make sure they know how much you love them.